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ABOUT YLABS

YLabs is a leading global design and research organization designing technologies that amplify youth power, agency, and opportunity. Founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs partners with young people to co-create inclusive digital products and services that improve their lives. Our design process opens spaces where young people’s ideas can become a reality – where they are the architects of the solutions to their most pressing challenges. 

YLabs multidisciplinary team delivers youth-driven innovation and impact at scale. Our team combines expertise in youth-driven design with adolescent health, climate, livelihoods, digital product design, behavioural science, and epidemiology. Based in Rwanda and the USA, we’ve worked in 18 countries to date on projects spanning three focus areas: optimum health and wellness, improved economic opportunity, and increased climate resilience. 

Find out more about our projects here:

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Nampula-based, Portuguese-speaking Youth Design Intern to support a project in Mozambique. The project aims to increase the realisation of sexual and reproductive health and protection rights for adolescents and young people in Nampula province. As a youth design intern, you will be key in representing and advocating for youth perspectives in the program's research, design and implementation. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in the human-centred design approach while working to improve access to health services for youth.

JOB TYPE

This is a part-time, independent contractor (consultancy)  position based in Nampula province, Mozambique. The contract duration will be 12 months, with a possibility of renewal upon expiry. The anticipated start date for this contract is January 2024. 

LOCATION

This is a remote role, based in Nampula province, Mozambique. The successful candidate should be based in Nampula as they will be required to do a lot of field visits within the province. They must be familiar with the region, including local cultures, languages, and logistical dynamics, to effectively engage with youth and community stakeholders.

ABOUT YLABS’ COMPENSATION

YLabs adheres to Project Fair’s principles and standards to establish equity in pay with the overriding principle of “equal pay for work of equal value” outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. All salary ranges are based on level within the organization and are competitive to regional and national salary benchmarks, based on the respective office location. 

PAY RATE

The pay range for this position is $50-$64 per day of engagement, commensurate with experience. This range is regionally benchmarked for an intern-level position in the East and South Africa regions. YLabs pays all full-time staff salaries in the local currency of the staff member’s permanent work location. 

YOU WILL:

• Support the team in researching, designing and testing a project working to improve access to healthcare for adolescents and young people in Nampula, Mozambique.

• Support in facilitating training sessions to advocate for youth perspectives and ensure their active participation in the design process

• Participate in interviewing youth, healthcare providers, community leaders and cultural and religious leaders to understand the current state of adolescent health and potential solutions

• Help the team come up with innovations to address SRH-related issues that young people face

• Receive training in human-centred design and gain experience working at the intersection of technology and health

• Assist in coordinating field visits and community research, ensuring culturally appropriate engagement with community members in the target districts

• Provide feedback on challenges encountered in the field and propose interactive improvements to research and design methodologies to ensure alignment with the local cultural and social realities

• Assist in organizing and coordinating logistics for field visits, training and designing sessions

YOU ARE:

• Fluent in Portuguese, eMakhuwa or Koti, and English. Fluency in other languages spoken in Nampula is a plus.

• Between the ages of 18 - 35

• Passionate about designing health solutions with young people that measurably and meaningfully improve their lives.

• Passionate about advocating for the rights and health of adolescents and young people, ensuring their voices are heard at all levels

• Aware of the cultural and social dynamics of the Nampula Province, with the ability to navigate sensitive topics as SRH in a respectful and inclusive manner

YOU HAVE:

• A passion for addressing issues facing youth, especially surrounding health

• Excited to learn new skills and help young people thrive

• Excellent speaking skills

• Sensitivity, excellent listening skills, and kindness towards others

• Detail-oriented, observant, and eager to learn

• Comfortable with technology, such as digital learning and using new platforms

• Experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research is desirable but not required

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to with the subject line: Youth Design Intern - Mozambique. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

This posting will be open from October 29 - November 29. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by our Hiring Committee. YLabs recognizes the effort that goes into submitting an application; all applications received during the posting period will be reviewed, and all candidates will be notified of their application status once the hiring process begins.

All YLabs offers of employment are conditional on satisfactory background check and criminal record clearances.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

YLabs is committed to building teams and policies that promote equity, justice, and belonging at work.  We strongly encourage people from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, familial status, marital status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.